Category: rv info

This is a recap of what we had written about our previous Foretravel back in April of 2013.

36′ U225 Foretravel motorcoach

1993, 113,500 miles, Cummins, 5.9 turbo diesel, with Pac Brake. (note, that was the mileage when sold in April of 2013, update to follow)

This coach new in 1993 was over $200,000. There is no comparison to any other brand unless it is a Blue Bird or other custom builder. Most 36′ diesel in 1993 were less than $100,000, and for good reason. Check the build quality and fine furniture finish work in a Foretravel. Drive one and see why the Foretravel chassis and steel uni-body stand the test of time.

 

Coach is located in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. We have kept it in covered storage with power since we purchased the coach 2 years ago. The coach was a custom order for the first owner in Norman OK, the second owner, near Norman OK, enjoyed the coach for 3 years, before they upsized to another 93 Foretravel, U300 40′. This coach was built in Nacogdoches TX, and Foretravel is still building custom coaches today, and providing full service and upgrades. We have been there a couple of times for factory service, that is 5 star, in attitude, care and knowledge. Plus we enjoyed their campground and all the Foretravel members who we have chanced to meet. Just this past weekend there were 3 matching 36′ coaches just like ours on the camp parking area plus one 40′.

There is a great forum of owners, which is priceless, try: foreforums.com

Additionally there is more info than imagined at the most excellent site, on every Foretravel model year and floorplans, FAQs and more, try:

http://www.beamalarm.com/foretravel-links/foretravel-links.html

We have all the printed manuals and info on the coach, in 5, 3 ring binders. Service tickets and upgrades listed since 2007 for most all service, repairs, upgrades, which are included.

This is the floor plan, with Side bath, island queen bed, dinette. Known as a SBID, this is a very popular floor plan on the 36′ and 40′ U series of coaches from the mid 80’s thru the end of the 90’s with some slight differences.

Shown is the mid door entry, with the low step up height, the door bell, the touch sensitive lighted door grab handle, and patio light.

I love the mid entry. Groceries come straight into the galley. Friends walk into the middle of the house, and can be seated out of the traffic in the forward area. Stepping out to check the BBQ does not interrupt the visitors.

And if I had a front entry every time we stopped I would lose my “nest”. I would need to find another place for my slippers, purse, maps and guide books. Hassle city. Most people don’t realize with front entry coaches the steps are covered with a sliding panel, for the passenger foot area. That panel slides away each time you stop and need to exit the coach door.

Galley:

An L shaped galley with Corian counter tops with inlayed edge, Corian sink and stove covers. Crisp and clean. 4 burner propane stove with oven, with a microwave/convection oven above. Double SS sink, single lever control, and filtered drinking water from the 88 gal. tank.

Dometic refrigerator to left of stove, new in 2007. Refrigerator works off the 120v. or changes to propane automatically when needed. There is a deep drawer below the stove for all the pots and pans we have ever needed. Below the refrigerator behind the tambour sliding door is the built in vacuum cleaner, and hose and attachments. Above the stove there is a 2 speed fan with thermostat, that can act like a whole house fan. We can open the windows where we are sleeping or sitting and have a nice breeze across us.

Cabinetry is walnut thru out, not pressed board. Drawers open full length, on Accuride ball bearing glides, with hidden safety releases, and you have full access to the back of the drawers. The small tall door is the storage area for the two Corian sink covers and where we keep the cookie sheet and cutting board. The double doors open to the under sink lighted storage, with a lower shelf on pull out glides. The double switch is for the 12v. water pump and the Propane hot water heater, both have LED’s to show when they are on. Inside the right door is the hidden switch for the electric hot water heater when you are plugged into shore power. It also has an automatic light inside the cabinet, and pull out bottom shelf.

Table is Corian in alabaster white with inlaid edge. We keep two chairs at the table. Table has a hidden release, and pulls out further so you can add two more chairs when you have four for dinner. There is an outlet under the table for a toaster or the laptop. Table has its own window, a perfect place for coffee and Facebook in the morning.

Note the walls of the coach are full walnut. Lovely, warm look. Carpeting is a deep rich burgundy. Cream colored valances are trimmed in burgundy to match. Foretravel’s are known for their high quality cabinetry. Notice that things fit, there is no trim to cover poor joints and panels like in so many RV’s.

To the right of the galley is the couch, with storage under the lifting seat base. Underneath you will find the forward furnace, that heats the main areas, and the basements for all season camping. A newer fresh water pump and the 2 gallon accumulator tank are mounted in the space as well. The accumulator reduces the duty cycle of the pump, allowing for flowing water till the pressure drops and the pump cycles on again.

Couch makes into a double bed. Couch was recovered in cream faux leather in 2007 to match the front driver and passenger seats.

Flexsteel driver and passenger seats. Passenger seat rotates to face the couch.

The drivers seat is electric adjustable, dual swing down arm rests, the wheel is tilt and telescoping. On the side wall is the computer controlled HWH leveling control for the 4 corner swing down jacks. Simple to level with just 3 pushes of the button. Between the seats the dash shelf is shown in the pushed forward position, but can be pulled aft to more than double the surface space. The finger released drawer below is handy and large. The dash has the regular gauges for the engine. In addition the coach has a rear view, and right side mirror cameras, showing on the screen to the left of the wheel. On the dash in place of the original dash camera screen is the new SeeLevel system. It shows the charging amp, fresh water level (88 gal.), grey water level (85 gal.), black water level (45 gal.), and % of propane in the 174# tank. On the dash is the control for the propane generator, and the 600 watt dash inverter for road travel computers located in the passenger footwell.

Note: Thanks to Kent Speers (U300) for many of the following photos.

Swing down armrests, manual control, and it rotates around to the side when camping. In the foot well on the side wall, we installed a 600 watt inverter for travel power for the computers. There is a flex arm map light, glove compartment and hidden sun glass storage nook. Hidden on the side wall is the large road atlas map rack. There is also a hidden combination safe with maybe a winning lottery number. 😉

Overhead cabinets are tambour style doors, just like a roll top desk. When closed they look like a solid piece of walnut. When opened the doors disappear into the cabinet. No head knocks. Reminds me of the woodwork in an elegant yacht. The walnut woodwork is in excellent condition.

 

 

 

 

 

Photo shows the recliner in the forward looking travel mode, and the handy wooden TV remote control holder.

Chairs across from couch both pivot. The right one is a recliner with foot rest and headrest, swiveling on a rotating base. The cabinet between chairs has a table that pulls up and lays across the wide shelf for games or another eating place. There is great storage inside the two doors for tall bottles. There is an additional 120v outlet on the forward side of the cabinet. We had a printer that sat behind the forward chair, but out of sight. In the photo below, both chairs are in their travel mode.

Lots of room, storage, and features, all typical of the high quality Foretravel custom coaches.

Not shown are the hidden indirect strip lighting under all the overhead cabinets. Center ceiling lights are switched in various places, same for the under cabinet hidden lighting. Spare bulbs are included of course.

Sold: 36′ Foretravel motorcoach, U225 1993

Photos courtesy of Kent Speers

36′ Foretravel motorcoach, U225 1993

Photo credits: Kent Speers

 

 

36′ ForetravelU225

photo credits: Kent Speers

This is an update done by the 2nd owner, nice large screen, easy to view with just a glance.

We added hash marks to the screen to show the distances aft.  The top of the screen is 40′, marks are at 20′, 10′, 7′ and 3′.  The remote control allows for screen adjustments and the switch to the right side mirror view.  In the photo, you can see that the storage roof shadow is exactly 10′ behind the coach bumper.  The black tape shows the centerline for the trailer hitch receiver, great when backing to hook up.

 

 

 

The SeeLevel II monitor is great, and shown is Battery voltage, % of 88 gallons of fresh water, % of 84 gallons grey, % of 45 gallons black and % of 174# of propane.  Handy when filling the fresh water tank located under the dash area and you can watch the fill add up.

Just like any truck or coach, but with double needles air pressures and transmission temp as well.

 

A dash scuff from letting the wheel tilt forward, I am more careful when I pull the release lever.

Some dash discolor from photos of 2011, that I don’t notice some two years later, possibility it has faded some over time.

Sold: 36′ Foretravel motorcoach, U225 1993

photo credits: Kent Speers

Stainless double sinks:

Oven and 4 burner stove top:

 

I only used the oven to make cookies. 🙂

 

Microwave/Convection oven:

 

 

Dometic refrigerator/freezer:

 

 

 

 

Pantry with sliding shelves, shelf spacing can be changed depending on the height of your stored items. ie soup cans, cereal boxes etc.

Power vent over galley:

Above the stove there is a 2 speed fan with thermostat, that can act like a whole house fan.  We can open the windows where we are sleeping or sitting and have a nice breeze across us.

shown with cover in place

This coach is powered with the famous Cummin’s 5.9B inline 6, with turbo.  It is rated at 230 hp, powered thru the Allison 4 speed automatic. Foretravel spec’d this engine at 230 horsepower. Note most coaches by other manufacturers spec’d less horsepower. For instance 190 was a cheaper choice. In addition the first owner installed a Pac Brake, and dash switch as soon as he took delivery.  Pac Brake is an engine brake in the exhaust system, that works on a “no throttle” sensor to help slow the coach, or to control down hill travel.

This coach has had upgrades to the engine cooling.  The second owner installed an aluminum radiator to the front behind the grill to help with summer cooling needs.  There is a manual shut off, for winter driving.  The second owner also had the main radiator reworked, a new pump and dynoed at Cummins in OK.  We have enjoyed 7,000 miles in the last 2 years in Texas without problems.  We have replaced a number of small items on the engine.  Of note have been the D2 regulator on the air system, the air dryer, the fuel filter mounting base, and a couple of new senders.  Access is under the lifting bed deck and easy for spot checking.  No parts have been replace in over a year, and our 7 weeks of trips this year we have had zero issues.

We get on average 8 mpg, towing at speeds between 60 and 65, loaded as we like, towing a light weight Saturn station wagon.  All fuel use, mileage and costs have been recorded and the list is in the coach.

We enjoy traveling just below the posted speed limits, with the cruise on, and enjoying the views from the wrap around windshields.

The fuel filter is the white part, and mounted on a new engine mounted bracket.

The silver cylinder is mounted on the blue bracket, is the Pac Brake exhaust brake.  It is controlled by the dash switch, and closes when on, and you lift off the throttle.

Top view of the 5.9 Cummins in line 6 cylinder turbo diesel, rated at 230 hp.

 

 

 

36′ Foretravel motorcoach, U225 1993

Here is a time line of work, service and upgrades, from 1st, 2nd, and our ownership. (note the coach is now under it’s fourth owners)

6/94 – Cummins-Pac Brake, install Valve Springs

Second owner’s list:

5/13/2007 – Cummins- 83,076, General inspection, replaced transmission fluid, oil change, chassis lube, replaced oil filters, fuel filters, air filter, transmission filter

6/19/2008 – Cummins-87,496, Fixed exhaust leaks, replaced exhaust manifold gasket, air compressor and turbo gaskets.  New thermostat, new belts, oil and lube, replaced turbo gasket, and broken bolt, welded exhaust pipe.

6/202008 – 2 new steering tires and alignment

1/14/2009 – Foretravel – welded on new shock brackets, repaired windshield rock chips, re-sealed windshield for air noise, and water leakage, flushed radiator and replaced antifreeze, repaired hydraulic leaks.

1/16/2009 – Foretravel – Replaced right and left drag links, ball joints and passenger tie road end, aligned front end.

3/17/2009 – Interstate Batteries – 2 starting batteries, (tested 6/11 good), and one 4D (since removed and replaced 6/11 with 2 8D’s)

6/10/2009 – Lloyd’s Radiator- Pulled and cleaned radiator, checked hoses and replaced water pump

8/14/2009 – HWH – Replaced leveling system hydraulic pump

10/16/2009 – Replaced weather seal on front window

12/6/2009 – Replaced 4 rear tires, Goodyear, still on coach today

12/28/2009 – Replaced hallway ceiling light, inside door handle and caulked passenger front cap seal

3/18/2010 – HWH/FMCA – replaced passenger rear jack warning switch to repair auto leveling system

10/4/2010 – replaced outside door handle and latch

3/?/2011 – Repaired front furnace.

Additionally, done by second owner, installed new flat screen tv upgrade, am/fm/cd upgrade, replaced the propane refrigerator, replaced the fresh water pump under couch. Dates of these replacements unknown.

Sold to us the 3rd owner, see the list below:

4/11
Replace hot water heater control board
Replace rear clearance lights
Replaced wipers
Remove bad propane safety valve that leaked
Texas State inspection #1

5/11
Replace CO2/propane detector
Repair left front docking light wire, (broken)   D2
Install bed slide drawer in cargo bay   D2
Installed closet door clothes hooks, 3

6/11
Replace house batteries, 2 – 8D’s  AGM’s, cleaned all cable ends, removed batteries and washed compartment and lid
Replace D2  governor, was over pressuring system, spare in parts
Added mud dabbed screens to both furnaces and water heater

8/11
Replace refer. drain hose, old
Replace vacuum filter on vacuum motor, spares on board, plus bags
Wash and wax detailing (Port A)
Washed AC filters, 2 units
Replaced ft.  main awning support arm
Replace main awning lock pin, ft.

12/11
Replaced door bell lighted button
Built and installed battery trickle charger for engine batteries D5
Installed  broom, & awning hook hanger tube in storage  bay P2
Replace ignition solenoid, dash
Install 600 watt inverter for passenger with dash switch
Repaired  wet bay 12 volt light
Changed coach air hose to quick disconnect end, for chuck & blower, air tools, P1

1/12
Label things, switches and fuses
Install chrome license plate trim ring on rear plate
Vinyl covered the 110 volt circuit box cover in wood grain to hide it
Replace Bendix air drier, was the original, constant popping off
Label spotlight switch positions

True Track Truck Service # 1
Replaced engine air filter
Oil and filter changed
Replaced both (two) fuel filters
Replaced coolant filter

Engine & radiator detailing
Pads on rattles at idle then in gear
Cruise control now works after engine detailing (why ?)
Replaced Florescent bulbs needed in bedroom, driver side
Replaced 110 volt  engine preheat switch cover plate and labeled

True Track Truck Service #2
Replaced left back up bulb
Balanced front tires
Lube and adjust front bearings
Replaced fuel filter base on engine, (nipple cross threaded, loose)
Replaced engine oil switch on filter/cooler bracket top, leaking
Replaced cross tube bracket, on coolant pipe

2/12
Replace engine temp sender on engine, false high readings
Build & install storage wagon tray D2, moves with drawer from P2
Wash and wax detailing (Port A)
Replaced water filter cartridge on water hose filter
Replaced trailer light plug socket

3/12
Repaired  screen door holder lock
Replaced front tires (Nacogdoches)
Repaired generator “run/on” dash  light
Re glued stove cover seam

Foretravel of Texas service trip #1
Front end alinement, (was out)
New skylight double lens, in/out
New lighted “Foretravel” grab handle
Replaced both grab handle mounting base gaskets
Replaced “Boost” switch on dash
Replaced  light bulb in “aux lights” switch on dash
Replaced TV antenna head

4/12
TX state inspection # 2
Replaced entry door white keeper
Installed drink holder driver side wall
Installed fire extinguish in storage P2
Replaced rock guard, rubber and SS “Foretravel” (recycled parts)
Replaced ignition solenoid with BlueSea 250 amp
Removed door locking slide pin
Installed dash cover hinged support

Foretravel  of Texas trip #2
Rear bulkhead repaired, (16 hucks)
Replaced Touch Module for the lighted assist handle and porch light

5/12
Removed bath carpet,  installed tile
Installed new longer fresh water tank overflow drain hose, ft. grill
Installed trash bag holder under sink
Installed towel bar in wet bay
Caulked bath top & shower seams
Removed old window tint
Installed new window tint, plus windshield tint plus header band
Washed window screens

6/12
Installed 75 Amp converter in bay  D2, that I killed!
Installed new  Everpur drinking H2O filter cartridge under sink
AC serviced, added 2, 11 oz., R134, cleared bubbles  mostly in sight glass
Installed D cell flashlight holder @ door entry wall
Installed “Hot Rod” 120 volt electric in hot water tank drain, switch is under sink
Washed coach and roof

7/12
Installed coach air brake line for toad brake system. (M&E)
Replaced AC vacuum pump, new larger vibration dampeners, and painted the mounting base, grill

8/12
Rebuilt lf. Ft. HWH jack, was leaking @ 2″ shaft seal

11/12
Checked fluids and air before trip
Re-mounted TV on swing up mount system, love not hitting my head!
Mounted motorcycle hitch carrier, 2 new 2″ receivers added, wired 12 volt power

12/12
Set air pressure in accumulator tank @ 15#
Cleaned engine/radiator/underside
Installed engine vent tube catch bottle
Repaired bed deck lock
Corrected loose clamp on cooler tube at cross over pipe rr top of engine
Saturn inspected
Checked fluids and air
Topped off propane

1/13
Found engine battery lead @ battery, to dash, loose, (would not restart after lunch)
Installed 3 double brass hanging hooks on bedroom walls, P&D
Washed coach once in Port A trip #1

2/13
Installed teak acc. rack by chair
Washed coach 3 times in Port A, trip #2, from roof down as leaving.

3/13
Rewired hitch carrier to toad plug
Installed LED lights on hitch carrier
Installed 2 power strips on bed walls
Installed power strip on galley wall between valances
Installed new Humphrey valve seal in PAC Brake, it works
Tightened coolant hose clamp, drive’s side top rear, hose to tube
Installed new TX registration
Replace 2 compartment lights P2, D2, (spare in parts)

4/3
Checked all fluids and air
Texas State inspection #3

Known nits, (and these were this way two years ago):

Spot light works, tilts, but does not rotate
Remote engine start inoperable at rear panel

<b>Upgrades or replaced components by the second owner prior to 4/2011 and our purchase.</b>

Rear tires, 2009, (new fronts, 4/2012)

12v Proscan LCD HD TV with DVD-2009, swing up mounting added 2012

New 2 door Dometic propane/120v electric refrigerator, 2007

Dash air conditioner compressor, 2007

Sony stereo/cd with remote, new front and rear speakers, 2008

SeeLevel ll, tank gauges, 2009

Silent onboard water pump, 2009

Reupholstered couch/sleeper, 2009

Internal radiator inspection, and new coolant, 2009

Engine water pump, 2009

Window screens, right side, 2009, grass hoppers ate them!

Auxiliary front radiator for hot weather cooling assistance, 2010

Engine compressor regulator, (D2), 2008, and D2, 2011

Thetford residential style porcelain toilet, 2010

Wipers, 4/2011

Rear clearance lights, 5, 2/2011

Tile floors in bath, 2012

Replaced the rubber rock guard with newer rubber and SS “Foretravel” unit on D links